Strategic Leadership Certificate Program Information

In today’s organizations, performance is the price of entry. Organizations expect even entry-level talent to make an immediate impact and deliver against business objectives. Students must be great at their profession, but that is not enough. Although organizations are focused on the future, dealing with uncertainty and managing increasing complexity, they must also create present-day stability and growth. Strategic leadership refers to the ability to maintain a dual focus on a vision for the future and the operational mission of the present.

Strategic leadership does not come easily and research indicates that a company’s level of leadership development has a greater impact on their long-term business performance than most other factors. It is not surprising that a recent employer survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education found that executives are less interested in considering candidates with specific majors and more interested in candidates who have learned these key strategic skills.

The strategic leadership certificate is for any student looking to differentiate themselves in the competitive job marketplace through key business training and the ability to articulate how their leadership potential contributes to the strategic direction of the organization.

The strategic leadership certificate program consists of 15 semester hours including four required and one elective course. The program incorporates practical, hands-on experiences and activities that are designed to help you internalize the skills and attitude that is required for success as a strategic leader in organizations.

Criteria for admission into the Strategic Leadership Certificate program include:

1. Complete the online application, including a 200-300 memorandum illustrating your interest in making a deep commitment to the study and practice of leadership.

2. Submit a proposed course plan including course title, number, semester, and year along with any *substitution course(s) for review to complete the certificate:

3. Submit the applicant’s resume demonstrating the characteristics that support the students interest in leadership, for example, an above-average GPA, strong work ethic, previous leadership experience, prior leadership positions, etc.; and

4. Complete a panel interview, with leadership faculty. Must bring most recent DARS to interview.

5. Complete add/change of major forms found in the Center office (401).

Strategic Leadership Certificate Application

Name
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First Name Last Name

E-mail
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example@example.com

PID
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Expected Graduation Date
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Month
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Day Year

Date

Ethnicity (optional)

Local Address
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Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

State / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Country

Phone Number
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Area Code Phone Number

Select Your College
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Major
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How did you learn about the Strategic Leadership Certificate Program?
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Other:

Upload Resume
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Prepare and submit a statement illustrating your interest in making a deep commitment to the study and practice of leadership. In this statement you will

Discuss your first or an early experience as a leader (this may be in elementary school, high school, or recently)

Consider why you want to commit to the leadership development offered through this program's coursework and extracurricular activities.

Tell us how you see yourself developing as a leader. What are your strengths and what areas would you like to improve?